Heritage Baking: Roasted Garlic Rosemary Bread

Tradition and therapy in the kitchen through a journey from pies to homemade bread

Hello readers!

Baking has always been a source of comfort and connection for me, a tradition that began when I was just five-years-old. But as I got older, my love for baking grew, so did my repertoire. This eventually lead me to one of my favorite creations: a roasted garlic rosemary bread. This bread has become a staple in my kitchen, a therapeutic process that not only fills the house with the most calming, delectable aroma but also offers a moment of peace and satisfaction when I finally slice into that warm, crusty loaf. Today, I’m excited to share the story behind my baking journey and the recipe for this delicious bread.

Some of my earliest and fondest memories are in the kitchen with my Nana, especially around Thanksgiving. I was just five years old when she assigned each of her grandchildren a special task to help with the holiday feast. My task? Making the chocolate cream pies. It might have seemed simple, but to me, it was a grand responsibility. I was entrusted with Nana’s secret recipe, and from that moment on, those pies became my pride and joy. Every year since then I’ve continued this tradition. I get to recreate that rich, chocolatey delight that takes me back to the warm, bustling kitchen of my childhood.

As the years have gone by, those pies have become even more significant. Winter holidays just don’t feel complete without them. Especially now that it’s harder to gather the family together and as my Nana gets older. Those pies are more than just a dessert—they’re a piece of our family’s history, a tradition that brings us all together – even when distance makes it challenging. Each year, as I prepare them, I’m reminded of how these simple acts of baking connect me to my roots. I like to think it keeps our family’s bond strong.

As I grew older, my love for baking blossomed beyond pies. I began experimenting with cakes, quick breads, tarts, and pastries—each new recipe a chance to create something delicious. By the time I reached college, baking had become more than just a hobby; it was my sanctuary. College life, with its demands and pressures, often left me feeling overwhelmed. That’s when I discovered that baking cookies, in particular, was my perfect escape. I’d set my study schedule around the time it took to bake each batch, allowing the aroma of freshly baked cookies to bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

One particularly stressful finals week, I found myself with 84 cookies—a testament to both my anxiety and my need to bake through it. But more than that, I was grateful to be surrounded by friends who supported me, and happily enjoyed the fruits of my labor. Those moments of connection, over warm cookies and shared stories, are some of my most cherished memories from that time.

As my life has evolved, so has my relationship with baking. My anxiety has grown and changed over the years, and with it, my baking repertoire. As an adult, I ventured into homemade breads, savoring the longer process as a way to slow down and focus. Bread baking, in particular, has become a key part of how I manage my anxiety. When I’m upset or angry, the specificity of measurements forces me to slow down and concentrate on the immediate task—getting the proportions just right. The mixing and kneading of the dough give me a chance to burn off frustration or pent-up energy. And then, during the rest and rise time, I’m forced to take a break. I often use this time to clean the kitchen or tackle other tasks that need to be done. This structure helps me manage my time and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed by a long list of chores or from falling into the trap of thinking I’m being lazy.

Over time, one of my favorites has become a roasted garlic and rosemary dutch oven bread. While this recipe isn’t a sourdough loaf, the flavor is comforting. Don’t worry -we will come back to tackle the adventure of sourdough later on. There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes, mingling with the satisfaction of a tidy home. Coming back to the kitchen to finally bake the bread fills the house with a delectable fresh-baked bread smell, or in this case – a roasted garlic and fresh rosemary scent – which is calming in itself. But the best part of the whole process? Cutting that first slice, dipping it in olive oil, and enjoying a warm, fresh treat after the physical labors and emotional recovery. It’s a reward that feels well-earned and deeply satisfying.

Pro Tip: If you bake your bread in a Dutch oven like I do, I highly recommend using a silicone bread sling. It’s a convenient and reusable option that eliminates the need for parchment paper, making the transfer of your dough easier and reducing waste. It’s a game-changer in helping your bread bake evenly and safely lifting it out of the hot Dutch oven without any fuss.

If you’re looking to try your hand at a bread that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, I’d love to share my recipe for this roasted garlic and rosemary dutch oven bread. It’s a true labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. It’s crusty on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, with just the right balance of garlic and herbs. Ready to bake along with me? Let’s dive into the recipe!

What about you? What’s your go-to baked treat for stress relief? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!

Warmly,

Rae